ACAT Civil Dispute Timeline — How Long Each Stage Takes in the ACT
One of the first questions every respondent asks after opening their ACAT papers is "how long is this going to take?" The honest answer is that it depends on the complexity of the dispute, whether both parties cooperate, and how the tribunal's calendar looks — but there is a predictable structure to the stages, and knowing the typical timeframes helps you plan.
Stage 1: Response Period — 21 Calendar Days
Unless ACAT tells you otherwise, the response is usually due within 21 calendar days from the day after you receive the Civil Dispute Application. Check the due date in ACAT's correspondence. Weekends and public holidays count toward the 21 days, though if the final day falls on a non-business day, the deadline moves to 4:30 PM on the next business day.
An extension is not automatic. Before the initial 21-day period expires, you can obtain the applicant's written agreement and lodge a joint written stipulation or consent order request with the Registry. If the applicant does not agree, file an Application for Interim or Other Orders under Rule 62 before the deadline. Filing an application does not guarantee an extension; follow the date in ACAT's correspondence unless ACAT makes an order.
Stage 2: Directions Hearing — After the Response Due Date
ACAT lists the matter for an initial Directions Hearing on a date after the response due date. The listing notice gives you the date and time; ACAT does not publish a standard wait from response filing to first listing.
The Directions Hearing takes around 30 minutes; allow up to an hour. The presiding Member or Registrar reviews both sides' positions, identifies the issues, and decides the next step: immediate consent orders if the parties agree, referral to a preliminary conference or mediation, or procedural directions setting a timetable for evidence exchange.
Stage 3: Preliminary Conference / Mediation — Timing Set by ACAT
If the Directions Hearing does not resolve the matter, ACAT may refer it to a conference or mediation under Practice Note 2 of 2024. The notice or directions set the date and any timetable. A conference gives the parties an opportunity to try to resolve the dispute.
Matters referred to external mediation (through the Conflict Resolution Service or another provider) may take longer to schedule depending on availability.
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Stage 4: Evidence Exchange — Date Set in Directions
If the conference or mediation does not resolve the dispute, the tribunal may issue procedural directions for evidence exchange. These require each party to file and serve their evidence bundle — documents, witness statements, expert reports, Scott Schedules for building disputes — by the dates set in the directions.
This is the most variable stage. The time needed depends on the evidence and the dates set by the tribunal; building defect cases requiring independent expert reports may need more preparation time.
Stage 5: Final Hearing — Date Set by ACAT
Once evidence is exchanged, ACAT sets the final hearing date by directions and notice. The hearing may take an hour or several days, depending on the case.
The Member may make a decision at the end of the hearing or reserve it for later, sometimes with written reasons.
Total Timeline: Rough Estimates
| Dispute Complexity | Typical End-to-End | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple debt or clear contract | No standard duration | May settle at a conference; timing depends on the directions and listing dates |
| Moderate dispute (contested facts) | No standard duration | Evidence and hearing dates are set by ACAT |
| Complex building or multi-party | No standard duration | Expert evidence and adjournments can extend the case-specific timetable |
There is no standard end-to-end duration. ACAT says case length depends on the case type and complexity, whether forms and fees are dealt with correctly, whether documents are filed on time, whether the parties resolve the dispute, how long the hearing takes, and when the decision is given.
What Slows Things Down
Adjournments can extend the timetable. Common causes include a party's representative being unavailable, expert reports not being ready, new evidence surfacing late, or a party asking for more time to prepare. Follow any revised dates ACAT gives you.
The ACAT Response Guide covers each stage in detail, including what to prepare for the Directions Hearing and how to organise your evidence bundle to avoid avoidable delays.
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